Prospective MBA Student: Interview with Galina Petrova

TopMBA.com talks to Galina Petrova about her decision to do an MBA, the application process, how she won a $40,000 scholarship and her career aspirations.

The winner of a US$40,000 scholarship, Galina Petrova from Russia is about to pursue an MBA at Chicago Graduate School. She will graduate in 2010. TopMBA.com spoke to Galina on applying to business school, writing essays, and passing the GMAT.

What prompted you to apply for business school?

My decision to apply dates back to my studies in the university when I realized that I had a passion for business while most Russian universities taught economics in purely academic fashion. I aspired to learn as much as possible about the different sides of business - how it is done in different industries, in different countries, what makes companies successful and how one can manage them right. When I learned about the excellent career opportunities that a business school could open, I made my decision to apply. It turned out that business school could be both a great academic experience and a very important milestone in my career.

How well do you think the MBA is regarded in your home country?

After I got my acceptance letter, I realized that people around me had mixed feelings about it. When they first heard about my plans, they immediately asked why on earth I would need an MBA. The next day they approached me and asked how they could apply too.

Employers in Russia are also different in their opinions: some believe that the knowledge received during the MBA program is inapplicable to the Russian business environment, while others hire MBAs by the dozen and make every effort to reach out to them. Most Russian MBAs settle down in consulting, private equity and natural resources industries.

How did you get the ball rolling towards studying for your MBA?

I started with attending the information sessions, asking questions and deciding on which schools to apply to. The information I got from such sessions was valuable, because I could meet admissions officers and students and understand what schools had to offer. At the same time I was able to understand my own criteria for choosing the best school for me.

At one such session, I was advised to go for a campus tour and see the schools for myself. I followed it and visited five schools, made friends with current students, and kept in touch with them. Their advice on essays and applications was very valuable, particularly in the crunch of the second round deadline when I frequently called them and asked questions.

How did you get through the GMAT?

GMAT is a very tough test. I realized it early on when a good friend of mine, a mathematician, took it five times before he could get it right. From his example, I learned that most people underestimate the grunt work required to master the test. This work is time-consuming, highly frustrating, and difficult to manage. There are thousands of logical twists and dozens of books. When you are in the middle of a 400-page book at 3am in the morning - after having several cups of coffee - you need a good motivation to continue. To support my interest and morale during the six-month GMAT preparation journey, I created a system of tracking my progress. This system gave me direction: I knew exactly my percentage of correct answers, areas for improvement, and my progress. This system boosted my morale, made preparation enjoyable and fun. I owe my 760 to it.

How did you choose which schools to apply to and what were your main criteria?

I chose which schools to apply to on a case by case basis. While visiting a school, I asked myself questions such as: do I want to learn from these people? Do we have the same values? Do I feel comfortable here? How serious are students about their careers? Where are they headed after graduation? After my visit, my short list of schools became shorter. I applied only to those schools where I could see myself studying.

What were the application results? How did you decide which offer to accept?

I was admitted to two schools and chose Chicago GSB. My decision between offers was very straightforward: I chose the school that would be more challenging, more relevant in terms of career advancement, and hopefully more fun to attend.

What do you wish you'd known before you started your MBA preparation process?

I wish I knew that the application process is a management test in itself. You need to manage your referees: find the right time to approach them, brief them on the school and why you want to apply there, answer their questions, and then wait until they submit their work - usually after several reminders and at the last minute. It takes time.

Then you need to organize your transcripts to ensure they are ready at the right time as well - for international students, the process in not always straightforward. The most time-consuming part of the application process is the essays. They require soul-searching, scope definition, defining a structure, writing, rewriting, feedback, final preparation, and then proofreading. You need to write and to coordinate and communicate with people who give you feedback and this also takes time. What I found interesting about essays is that writing is highly creative work, which can't be done 12 hours a day. I could write productively for no more than four hours a day.

At the end of the day, after the application is submitted, I believe it is the applicant who matters. If you are bright, demonstrate a good career record, and have good motivation, you'll be admitted.

What would be your advice for future MBA candidates?

Never underestimate the effort. Start early and leave room for contingency plans' there'll be plenty. Sometimes the process becomes frustrating, be sure to keep your morale up. Believe in yourself! Good luck!